Manchester United move for Fabio Coentrao in the pipeline

Manchester United could rekindle their interest in Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao.

United already tried, and failed, to lure the Portugal international away from the Santiago Bernabeu before and are reported to be keen on landing the Madrid man this summer.

Coentrao himself is also open to a move, telling O Jogo this week: “I already showed interest in playing there (Manchester United). They’re one of the best clubs in the world, a club I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there.”

His words should attract the attention of the Premier League club, who AS report to have on their transfer hit list this summer.

Coentrao is only a bit-part player at Madrid owing to Marcelo’s improved form this season and Madrid are also looking to strengthen in their full-back department. A deal for Porto right-back Danilo is all-but done and a left-back is also on the agenda to complement Marcelo.

Coentrao shone for his country in their Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Serbia at the weekend, assisting one goal and scoring the other in a crucial 2-1 win.

Former club Benfica could also show interest in signing the player this summer.

A qualified sports journalist based in Madrid, working for AS English, Real Madrid correspondent for ESPN and freelance for companies including AFP, The Independent (UK) and BetBright amongst others. Follow me on Twitter @nicholasrigg.